Press release

Sunday 24th July 2016

90,000+ marvel at Dazzling Display at Bray

Ben Twomey from Cork gets 14th birthday surprise by meeting Red Arrow Squadron Leader

140,000 attend #BrayAirDisplay two day spectacle

The Red Arrows dramatic display drew 90,000+ people to the second day of this year’s Bray Air Display. The Red Arrows team of nine jets in their distinctive red livery, opened the event with an amazing display of while ’s Frecce Tricolori brought the day’s aviation spectacle to a flamboyant finale. In between these world-class displays spectators were treated to astonishing performances of aviation precision from teams across Ireland and Europe. Spectators along Bray promenade were treated to a total of 14 team displays during the ever popular, free, family event.

Supported by main sponsors the Irish Aviation Authority, as well as Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie, the 2016 line-up firmly cements Bray Air Display’s reputation as one of Europe’s best air displays.

Se Pardy, Director, Bray Air Display, said, “This is the first time in the event’s 11 year history that the Red Arrows have performed and we are thrilled to have them here. To also have Italy’s finest, the Frecce Tricolori and teams from the UK, France and Sweden, as well as the very best in Irish aviation is a wonderful achievement for all involved. This really is a very special day for Bray and a day to remember in Irish aviation history. Many thanks to everyone who came out to watch the display this weekend, to the event sponsors and the people of Bray for all their support.”

Young aviation fan Ben Twomey from Fermoy in Cork got a very special 14th birthday surprise at the Bray Air Display when he was met by Red Arrow Squadron Leader Mike Ling (‘Red Ten’) to wish him a very happy birthday in person. Ben, who was at the event with his parents Sinead and Brian and little brother Sam as well as Grandmother Kathleen, blew out the candles on an aeroplane themed cake to a chorus of happy birthday wishes.

Another show highlight were the Breitling Wingwalkers, the world’s only formation wingwalking display team and another first for the Bray Air Display, who thrilled with a dare-devil display of acrobatics on the top wings of beautiful Boeing Stearman bi-planes – all performed mid-flight!

Other international acts included the Patrouille Tranchant, a Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga aircraft - the first time Fouga aircraft have been displayed in Ireland – and the Blades, a team comprised of ex-Red Arrow pilots and the CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100. Fans of old-school, aviation glamour were treated to displays by the British Spitfire/Seafire and the Triggs.

Homegrown talent was well represented by the , the Irish Historic Flight Foundation, Aer Lingus 321, CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100, the Black Knights Irish Defence Forces Parachute Team and the Irish coast guard Search & rescue, while the magnificent Irish Naval Defence Forces LÉ Ciara patrol vessel was stationed just off the strand throughout the two day event.

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “We are very proud to have been the main sponsor of the Bray Air Display 2016 in the year of the Centenary of the Easter Rising. We are delighted that the Air Display has been such a success. Aviation has played a critical role in the development of the Irish economy over the last 100 years and it remains a key part of the Irish economic system, supporting over 40,000 jobs directly. We hope that this weekend will have helped to inspire a new generation of pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts.”

Visit www.brayairdisplay.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter for the full event details EDITOR’S NOTE:

Performing on Sunday: 1. The Frecce Tricolori 2. Breitling Wingwalkers 3. Patrouille Tranchant 4. British Spitfire/Seafire 5. The Triggs 6. The Irish Air Corps 7. CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100 8. Black Knights 9. Irish Historic Flight Foundation 10. Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration 11. The Red Arrows 12. The Viggen & Draaken 13. The Blades 14. Aer Lingus 321

About Bray Air Display The Bray Air Display takes place this year on Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th 2016. This is the Air Display's eleventh year. We are one of Ireland's biggest and best Air Displays. Last year 90,000 people came to Bray for the display. #BrayAirDisplay

About Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) The IAA is a commercial, semi-state company employing approximately 650 people at five main locations in Ireland. The IAA is responsible for the safety and security regulation of the Irish civil aviation industry, including 1,250 aircraft, 9,200 pilots and 24 airports. The IAA is also provides Air Traffic Management (ATM) services in Irish controlled airspace (covering some 451,000 square km) and at the three state airports (Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports), as well as aeronautical communications on the North Atlantic. The IAA handles approximately 1 million flights in Irish managed airspace each year. IAA is a partner of the Aireon joint venture, which will deliver the first-ever space-based global aviation surveillance system from 2018. The IAA is a shareholder of Entry Point North, the leading international Air Traffic Controller training academy. For more information please see: www.iaa.ie

-ENDS-

For more information: Louise Cassidy PR [email protected] Tel: 086 383 5727